The role they play (1h spear and shield) is the same role ANY other class could play in the same situation, in fact most classes would be better. 2v1 you may as well use a pike or a lolhammer or just spam stab/overhead with any other weapon. Saying it is a good support class or is good is the right hands/circumstances
A spear and a shield is a novelty class at the moment, except yes versus cav. But then you may as well go for a full length 2her so they can't get close to you in the first place. Spear/Shield doesn't keep people at bay, instant facehug and your stuck looking down and then up quickly to try and get anything but a whiff.
Were not asking for some ultra OP spartan class with insane damage, just the opportunity to do something other than stab down. Someone with a guide dog specifically designed for playing internet games and trolling forums could down-block that all day.
Some of the more famous formations included spears and shields [See: Hoplite Dori / Dorys shorter spears specifically designed for one hand use, weighing only a few pound. As it stands, unless there is more of you than there is of the enemy this is not a viable build, not without the fact that you can currently have a a high-tier sword with the load-out as well.